Hilary Duff’s Maxi Dress Era: How Flat Sandals Defined Her Effortless Mom Style

On February 13, 2013, Hilary Duff was photographed during a casual outing with her son Luca in Sherman Oaks, California—delivering a low-key style moment that would quietly reinforce her long-standing love affair with the maxi dress.

Long before the silhouette became a default for off-duty celebrity dressing, Duff had already embraced maxi dresses as a reliable constant in her wardrobe. She wore them pre-marriage, throughout pregnancy, and seamlessly into motherhood, proving their versatility across every stage of life.

Hilary Duff effortlessly combines motherhood and style during a playdate with son Luca in Sherman Oaks, California, on February 13, 2013

Comfortable without looking careless and relaxed without sacrificing polish, the maxi dress has remained one of fashion’s most dependable staples—particularly for women balancing style with real-world demands.

It’s no surprise that maxi dresses continue to be a go-to maternity option for moms-to-be. As Duff demonstrates here, the proper cut and styling make the silhouette feel effortlessly chic—even when your day revolves around errands, playdates, and being hands-on from morning to night.

A relaxed, tie-dyed maxi dress can easily veer into overly casual territory—but Hilary Duff demonstrates how the right footwear keeps comfort firmly within polished territory.

Instead of relying on trend-driven sandals, Duff grounds the look with K. Jacques Delta wrap sandals, a style rooted in French Riviera dressing rather than seasonal fashion cycles.

Hilary Duff was spotted arriving at Babies First Class styled in a bohemian-chic ensemble featuring a Raquel Allegra maxi tank tie-dye dress, Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses in gold-brown, a Chanel Cabas Ete 2012 bag, and K. Jacques Delta wrap sandals (Credit: WENN)

Handcrafted in Saint-Tropez since 1933, the Delta is defined by its minimalist thong silhouette, slim leather straps, and signature ankle wrap—details that provide structure without visual weight. The sandal’s barely-there design keeps the outfit light and unfussy, while its thoughtful construction prevents the look from feeling unfinished.

Paired with a softly undone topknot and restrained accessories—Ray-Ban sunglasses, Ashley Pittman earrings, stacked Cartier bracelets, and a Chanel Cabas Été 2012 tote—the sandals do the quiet work of elevating the entire ensemble. The result is an everyday formula that balances ease and intention, reinforcing Duff’s long-standing approach to off-duty style.

To recreate this refined take on casual motherhood dressing, start with a Raquel Allegra maxi tank dress and anchor it with footwear that prioritizes craftsmanship over flash. The K. Jacques Delta proves that a flat sandal can still deliver longevity, support, and understated sophistication—allowing relaxed silhouettes to feel quietly considered rather than careless.

For more footwear inspiration, see how Mary Alice Stephenson styled a figure-hugging red dress with tan flat cuff Caravelle sandals from K. Jacques.

Raquel Allegra Maxi Tank Dress, $230

Raquel Allegra’s distinctive tie-dye pattern elevates this dress above the usual tie-dye dresses.

Hilary Duff isn’t alone in embracing maxi dresses for maternity wear—other stylish celebrities have also adopted this versatile trend.

For instance, Halle Berry was spotted in a colorful, flowing Heartloom Olivia maxi dress, ideal for accommodating her baby bump while shopping for furniture.

Similarly, Nicky Hilton showcased her chic maternity style in an Alice+Olivia floral maxi dress paired with Canfora flat sandals, effortlessly blending elegance with practicality. These examples highlight how maxi dresses serve as a fashionable and comfortable choice for pregnant women, offering versatility and ease throughout pregnancy.

More Hilary Duff Shoe & Style Moments Worth Revisiting

From effortless off-duty looks to polished red-carpet appearances, Hilary Duff’s fashion evolution has consistently been anchored by thoughtful footwear choices. Whether she’s relying on wearable pumps, statement boots, or relaxed sneakers, her approach underscores a broader style philosophy—prioritizing comfort, proportion, and longevity over fleeting trends. If you’re interested in exploring how Duff applies this balance across different settings and stages of her career, the curated features below highlight some of her most memorable shoe-driven fashion moments.